Rising to the Challenges of Higher Education
- DateThursday, 17 September 2026 (09:00 - 17:00) (UK)
- LocationUniversity House, 116 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TY
Building on insights gathered from previous conferences and community feedback on the most pressing challenges and opportunities in contemporary business education, the 2026 conference will focus on rising to the challenges of Higher Education landscape through four themes:
- Transformative impact of digitalisation and AI on teaching, learning and assessment;
- Inclusive, responsible and impact driven Higher Education;
- University, industry and future of work;
- Emerging challenges and diverse perspectives in Higher Education.
We invite submissions that speak directly to our four conference tracks: technology-enhanced and blended learning, assessment in the age of AI, inclusive and authentic assessment design, innovative feedback practices, equity, accessibility, wellbeing and belonging in HE, ESG and sustainability education, responsible AI governance, ethics education, work-integrated learning, industry partnerships, employability and graduate attributes, professional accreditation, skills- and competency-driven education, AI literacy, entrepreneurship education to name a few.
By bringing together these complementary focal points, the conference aims to support educators and institutions in responding proactively to contemporary challenges while shaping the future of business education.
The conference welcomes submissions from Birmingham Business School colleagues, as well as academic and professional services colleagues from West Midlands universities and partner institutions. We invite contributions in the form of:
- Papers
- Learning and Teaching Case Studies
- Professional Services Showcase Proposals
- Workshop Proposals
- Panel Discussion and Roundtable Proposals
Submissions may reflect theoretical perspectives, practical insights, best practice examples, evaluations of innovation, and experiences and success stories in learning and teaching. We particularly encourage contributions aligned with the conference themes and tracks, highlighting pedagogical innovation and impactful educational practice in 2026 and beyond.
Higher education is undergoing profound transformation. Rapid technological advancement, shifting student expectations, labour market volatility, sustainability imperatives, and evolving regulatory environments are reshaping the sector globally. Universities are being called upon not only to respond to these pressures but to lead with innovation, integrity, and social purpose.
Don’t miss your chance to make an impact!
The deadline for submissions is Monday 11 May 2026.
Submission guidelines
Submission guidelines
Track 1: Transformative Teaching, Learning and Assessment
How must teaching, curriculum design, and assessment evolve to meet the changing realities of higher education?
Topics may include curriculum redesign, assessment in the age of AI, academic integrity, technology-enhanced learning, inclusive assessment design, learning analytics, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative feedback practices.
Track 2: Student Success, Belonging, and Inclusive Higher Education
How can institutions foster equitable, supportive, and high-performing learning environments?
Topics may include equity and inclusion, intersectionality, wellbeing and mental health, student engagement and belonging, international education contexts, accessibility, personal tutoring models, and student partnership initiatives.
Track 3: Universities, Industry, and the Future of Work
How can higher education respond strategically to labour market transformation and societal change?
Topics may include employability, work-integrated learning, professional accreditation, micro-credentials, skills-based education, AI literacy, entrepreneurship education, and industry collaboration.
Track 4: Responsible Business, Sustainability, and Education for Societal Impact
What is the role of higher education in advancing responsible leadership, sustainability, and ethical governance?
Topics may include embedding ESG in curricula, responsible AI governance, climate education, net-zero initiatives, ethics education, PRME-aligned practices, community engagement, and social impact measurement.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts should be between 300–500 words and clearly indicate the relevant track. Submissions should outline the purpose, methodology (if applicable), key findings or insights, and implications for higher education practice or policy.
Please include the following details with your submission:
- Title of the paper
- Author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s)
- Contact email address
- Preferred presentation format (research paper, case study, panel, roundtable
Interdisciplinary and cross-cutting submissions that do not fit neatly within one track are welcome and will be allocated to the most appropriate thematic stream.
Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives, the 2026 organising committee continues to bring together academic staff and professional services colleagues, fostering enriched dialogue, shared practice and strengthened community connections through networking and collaborative learning opportunities. The conference also welcomes colleagues from universities across the West Midlands and beyond, helping to further develop a strong and connected regional education network.
Conference schedule
Please stay tuned for the Education Conference 2026 programme. We aim to create a full day of content with talks, networking and shared practice.
Key speakers
Emma Neale, Senior Teaching Fellow, Aston University
Sarah Horton-Walsh, Head of the School of Marketing and Management, Coventry University
Venue and Accommodation
Venue and Accommodation
The Education Conference 2026 will be held at Birmingham Business School, University House.
For those not familiar with University House, please see the campus map for reference. The address is 116 Edgbaston Park Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TY.
The university has an onsite hotel, Edgbaston Park hotel and Conference Centre, with over 180 bedrooms or serviced apartments. Booking details can be found via their website. Located across the road from the main hotel, is Peter Scott House, which offers 37 ensuite twin and double rooms and breakfast served at the main hotel. Bookings can be made via their website or through the usual hotel booking sites via an internet search.
Both Edgbaston Park hotel and Peter Scott are a short walk (less than 10 minutes) away from University House, where the Future Food Symposium will be held.
Alternatively, you may wish to stay in the local area, those that are in walking distance to campus include:
There is plenty of accommodation in Birmingham City Centre, which just over 2 miles away from campus and a short 10–15-minute taxi ride.
- Premier Inn at Birmingham By New Street Station
- Holiday Inn Smallbrook Queensway By New Street Station
- Ibis Birmingham
Travelling to campus
Travelling to campus
Our Edgbaston campus is served by its own railway station, University. Providing a high-frequency service to and from Birmingham New Street in just seven minutes. Whether you’re travelling by public transport, car, bike, or air, please refer to the University Maps and Directions page.